Prepare the Way of Love

Transcription

1 Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. Saint Jude s is a spiritual oasis where lives are transformed. Prepare the Way of Love Advent III December 16, 2018 The Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 10:30 am St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church office@saintjudes.org

2 Welcome Welcome visitors! We re happy you re here today. Please sign the guest ipad or connec on card at the greeters table near the front entrance so we can get to know you. Please keep the following people in your prayers. Do you need prayers? Prayer for the Episcopal Transi on Process in The Diocese of El Camino Real Holy One, we give you thanks for the ministry of Bishop Mary among us, and pray for her, for all involved in the transi on process, and for the whole diocese. Give us listening and prayerful hearts and guide us in our call of the fourth bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real. We pray in Jesus name, Amen. Prayer of Medita on My Heart is Moved My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed I have to cast my lot with those who age a er age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, recons tute the world. Adrienne Rich Sunday School Godly Play begins at 10:15 am. Please sign in your student on the clipboard at the entry. The class of PreK-2nd will hear the story of Mary, Mother of Jesus with Mary Lyn Azar (storyteller) and Peter Leonard (greeter). Grades 3-6th will hear about the Mystery of Christmas: the Annuncia on and Visita on with Beth Leonard (storyteller) and Valerie Nau (greeter). Those serving today: Clergy: Wilma Jakobsen (wilma@saintjudes.org), Sarah Lapenta-H (sarah@saintjudes.org), Bruce Bramle (bruce@saintjudes.org) Acolytes: Juliet Shearin, Evie Azar Altar Guild: Darlene Volkey, Louise Marrio Bread Baker: Doug Bailey Coffee Host: Chris ne Stark Lay Eucharis c Ministers: Mary Souza, Shanie George Lay Eucharis c Visitors: Emily Holton, Gordon Mullin Greeters: Jill & Hannah Ba erson, Rosa Pellecer Reader: Sco Rotondo Sound: Steve Bryson Ushers: Jennifer Stern, Jason Kennerly Visitor Host: Candy Sa erlee Advent liturgy notes: This advent our theme is 'Prepare the Way of Love.' We are linking our gospel readings each week to the curriculum of the larger Episcopal Church, from the program announced by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, 'The Way of Love'. This means we are using different gospels to the lec onary readings, all from Luke chapters 1 and 2. Bishop Mary Gary-Reeves has given us permission, as well as to use alternate liturgies produced by the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. The Eucharis c prayer during advent is from 'Celebra ng Eucharist', by the Anglican Church in New Zealand. The advent blessing is from 'A New Zealand Prayer Book.' 2

3 Welcome Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. The Liturgy of the Word (Please stand as you are able.) Wilma Jakobsen Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel verses 1, 4, 6 Hymnal 56 Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed are you holy and living one. People: Come Jesus, the gift of Love. The Lighting of the Advent Wreath Lovenia Rubdi, Anupam Sengar & Aanya and Dennis & Marianne Wilcox "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; God has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isaiah 12:2-3) We again light Advent candles as a sign of our desire to welcome God into our lives. The first candle is for love, the second for hope, and today we light the third candle for joy. Let us pray together: In this Advent season, O God, give us hearts filled with the joyful message of your salvation. In our world of despair, let us be bearers of your joy to our communities. In the name of Love, Amen. Hymn: Come, Lord Jesus Sung while Advent Wreath is being lit Collect of the Day Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3

4 (Please be seated.) The First Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. After the lesson, the reader says: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. People: Thanks be to God. (Please stand as you are able.) Hymn: The Song of Zechariah verses 1-2 WLP 889 The Gospel: Luke 1:57-80 Minister: The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. (Please be seated for a dramatic reading of the gospel.) The time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, No; he is to be called John. They said to her, None of your relatives has this name. Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, His name is John. And all of them were amazed. Immediately Zechariah s mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, What then will this child become? For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably upon the people and redeemed them. God has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of David, as he spoke through the mouth of the holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus God has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered the holy covenant, the oath that was sworn to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness before the Almighty all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way, to give knowledge of salvation to the people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and John was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. Minister: The Gospel of the Savior. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. Hymn: The Song of Zechariah verse 3 WLP 889 Sermon Bruce Bramlett 4

5 (Please stand as you are able.) Prayers of the People (Silence is observed after the sermon for meditation or reflection.) Let us pray: This Advent season, we open our hearts to turn from the practices that block us from receiving and sharing more of your love, and we turn to you to be transformed, saying, Emmanuel, help us to prepare the way of Love. We pray for the world, for models of humility in leadership and courageous acts of care, including and those we name now Emmanuel, help us to prepare the way of Love. We pray for your church. Restore to us the joy of our salvation as we re-commit ourselves to practice repentance and forgiveness. Emmanuel, help us to prepare the way of Love. We pray for all who are suffering in mind, body, or spirit that they may experience you as a refuge and comfort, including and those we name now Emmanuel, help us to prepare the way of Love. We remember before you those who have died, that they may rest in your eternal joy, including and those we name now Emmanuel, help us to prepare the way of Love. We also give thanks for the many gifts of this season, including and those we name now O come, Emmanuel: We humbly open our hearts and minds to be transformed more into your likeness, through our relationships with you, our selves, one another, and the world in the hope of reconciliation, with your help. Amen. Confession of Sin (kneel as you are able) Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Absolution Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The Peace (Please offer the Peace to those nearby.) Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. Prayer for Healing (Kneel as you are able.) Those who are unable to get to the altar rail are invited to stay in their places and others around them are invited to raise a hand towards them during the prayer. O God, the source of all health: So fill our hearts with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy we may make room for your power to possess us, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 5

6 Blessing for Celebrations (Kneel as you are able.) Loving Creator, You are the source of life and the source of love. We thank you for all who celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and special events today. Watch over them as their days increase, bless and guide them wherever they may be. May your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their lives, and may your love for the world shine through them and the deep relationships they cherish, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Featured Ministry: Recognition of the Choir, MOTS, BOTS and COTS The Liturgy of Holy Communion Anglican Church of New Zealand Offertory Sentence Choir Offertory Hymn: The Linden Tree Carol arr. R. Jacques (Please stand as the ushers present the gifts at the altar.) Presentation Hymn: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus verses 1,3 Hymnal 66 Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: The Lord is here. God s Spirit is with us. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to offer thanks and praise. It is right indeed that we should praise you, God of love, our source and our fulfilment, for you create all things, and in you we live and move and have our being. Your wonder is manifest in land and sea and sky. When the times had at last grown full and the earth had ripened in abundance, you made us in your image for yourself. And even though we turn from you, again and again you call us to yourself, and in every age, promise liberation. As a mother tenderly gathers her children, you embraced a people as your own to rear them in your way of compassionate love. From your own being you sent Jesus among us, incarnate of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, our sister. Jesus revealed your care for all you have made, and showed us your way of reconciliation. Looking forward to the joy of new life Jesus suffered the pangs of the cross and in rising again became the first-born of the renewed family. You sent your Holy Spirit and gave birth to us your church. Your Spirit stays to nurture and to guide us. Now we join hands around your table, and with all creation we sing this hymn of praise for your unending love, Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. To you indeed be glory, Almighty God, because on the night before he died, your Son, Jesus Christ, took bread; when he had given you thanks, he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this to remember me. After supper he took the cup; when he had given you thanks, he gave it to them and said: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you; do this as often as you drink it to remember me. And so in this great sacrament we celebrate and proclaim the mystery of our faith. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come in glory. 6

7 Therefore, loving God, recalling now Christ s death and resurrection, we ask you to accept this our sacrifice of praise. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and our celebration, that we may be fed with the body and blood of your Son and be filled with your life and goodness. Strengthen us to do your work, and to be your body in the world. Unite us in Christ and give us your peace. Through your Holy Spirit, burning as a flame, gentle as a dove, may we who receive these gifts live lives of justice, love, and prayer, and be a voice for those who are not heard. In union with your whole church we worship you, O God, in songs of everlasting praise. Blessing, honour and glory be yours, here and everywhere, now and forever. Amen. As our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray in the language or version of our choice: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. Lord's Prayer in Chinese 我們在天上之父, 願人都尊父的名為聖, 願父的國降臨, 願父的旨意行在地, 如同在天 我們日用的飲食, 求父今日賜給我們 又求饒恕我們的罪, 如我們饒恕得罪我們的人 不叫我們遇见試探 ; 拯救我們脫離凶惡 因為國度 權柄 榮耀, 全是父的, 從現在至到永遠 阿們 Lord's Prayer in Spanish Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre. Venganos tu Reino. Hágase tu voluntad, como en el cielo, así también en la tierra. El pan nuestro de cada día, dánoslo hoy. Perdónanos nuestras deudas, como también nosotros perdonamos a nuestros deudores. No nos metas en tentación, sino líbranos del mal, porque tuyo es el Reino, el poder y la gloria, por siempre. Amén. Lord s Prayer in Korean 하늘에계신우리아버지, 아버지의이름을거룩하게하시며아버지의나라가오게하시며, 아버지의뜻이하늘에서와같이땅에서도이루어지게하소서. 오늘우리에게일용할양식을주시고, 우리가우리에게잘못한사람을용서하여준것같이우리죄를용서하여주시고, 우리를시험에빠지지않게하시고악에서구하소서. 나라와권능과영광이영원히아버지의것입니다. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: We are one bread, one body. People: We will love one another as Christ loves us. Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God. All are welcome at the Lord s Table to receive Communion of bread and wine, and/or to receive a blessing. If you do not wish to receive the wine, or want to receive a blessing, cross your arms in front of your chest when the priest comes to you. Gluten-free wafers are available; please ask the priest. 7

8 Communion Hymns: Trisagion S102 Choir: My Heart is Moved Caroline McDade My heart is moved by all I cannot save. So much has been destroyed. I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world. Adrienne Rich Prepare the Way Taizé (Please stand as you are able.) Sending of Eucharistic Visitors Celebrant: In the name of Christ and this congregation, we send you forth bearing these holy gifts to those who cannot be with us today: (names).let them know that they are in our prayers and that this is holy food for holy people. People: We who are many are one Body because we share one bread, one cup. 8

9 Post Communion Prayer Celebrant: Let us give thanks together. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. Blessing May Christ be our new beginning, the hope and salvation of the world, and the blessing of God our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Life be with you always. Amen. (Please be seated.) Announcements Hymn: Canticle of the Turning verses 1,3,4 9

10 The Dismissal Minister: Go forth into the world to prepare the way of Love. People: Thanks be to God. You are invited to join us for fellowship and coffee in the hall following the service. Bruce leads a Bible study on Exodus at 3:00 pm today in the Fireside Room. Join us tonight for Lessons and Carols by candlelight service at 5:00 pm. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the Parish Hall after the service. 10